Andrew Jackson died on June 8, 1845. Although most widely remembered as a victorious military commander and President of the United States, Jackson was a key figure in Florida history. His military excursions into Spanish Florida in the early years of the nineteenth century were an important component in convincing Spain to sell its colonial possession to the United States.

On March 10, 1821, U.S. President James Monroe appointed General Andrew Jackson Commissioner of the United States to take possession of Florida and gave him the full powers of governor. Jackson accepted the office only on the condition that he could resign as soon as the territorial government was organized.

On July 17, 1821, Spain transferred Florida to the United States, and Jackson sent his resignation to the president in November. In all, Andrew Jackson visited Florida only three times: in 1814 during the War of 1812, in 1818 during the First Seminole War, and in 1821 to organize the first territorial government.

Jackson's death came just three months after Florida's admission as the 27th state in the union.